With recent restrictions lifted in the UAE amid the Covid-19 pandemic, people are delighted to be able to walk outdoors again.
Summer is a period many residents in the Emirates dread as the hot weather reaches its climax. However, it’s also the time of year when people can take advantage of some quality membership offers at their local golf club.
While the affordable summer membership deals may take centre stage, there are many other deals if people want to take up an annual membership or simply pay as they go.
Here’s everything you need to know about joining a club.
I want to join a golf club, what is the best way to start?
Shop around. There are plenty of options when it comes to golf clubs in the UAE with absolutely no shortage. In Dubai, it can be expensive, with Dubai Creek (AED 24,000) and Dubai Hills (AED 27,000) considered to be among the cheaper membership fees. At the top end of the scale, a 12-month membership at Emirates Golf Club, home to the Dubai Desert Classic, could set a young professional back approximately AED 54,000 per annum. In Abu Dhabi, a membership at Yas Links Golf Club, Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Club costs between AED 30-35,000 per year, with midweek memberships dipping just under AED 20,000 per annum. Most clubs do include midweek memberships, which are more affordable, costing up to AED 12,000 less. If it’s the value you’re looking for, check out Track Meydan, JA The Resort, Arabian Ranches and Sharjah, all of which offer cheaper prices on beautiful courses. The key is to ring around and see what offers clubs are making and find something that fits your budget.
Will I have to pay a joining fee?
Joining fees have been temporarily dropped, until June 30, at Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Al Zorah and Dubai Creek to name a few. A joining fee at some clubs around the UAE costs in excess of AED 10,000, on top of the overall membership fee. Equally, the rate could decrease over the coming months to encourage more people to join.
How do I get a handicap in the UAE?
The Emirates Golf Federation has adopted the USGA handicapping system. The purpose of a handicap to enable players of lesser ability to play against players of better ability. To acquire a handicap you don’t have to be a member of a club. You just have to play five rounds of 18 holes, usually with a member, and fill in a card after each round. The games need to be registered and the respective clubs can help with that. All the information is available on the EGP app. Your handicap is automatically recalculated overnight. The maximum handicap index is 28 for men and 36 for ladies.
What if I just want to play casually each week? What’s the best way to do so and when is best?
If you are interested in playing a round, then Troon, Golfscape and Golf Central are websites that show green fee rates and available tee times for various courses around the UAE. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends, however if you shop around the different sites, it is possible to book a round at a quality course for cheap on some weekends. A standard weekend green fee could set you back between AED 375-600 depending on the course, while a midweek round could be under AED 300 at The Track and Arabian Ranches. At the majority of clubs weekend tee times will be taken up by members.
What are the best options for juniors?
Most clubs have a junior section with some excellent rates. And more places seem to be bringing in new initiatives for juniors now and moving away from the days when there was little or no course-time allocated to juveniles. Obviously, depending on where one lives, memberships at The Track and JA The Resort are cheaper, but Emirates Golf Club boasts the best junior section. The main thing is the kids can play with friends and are enjoying their golf.
